The Do-Well study

The Do-Well study followed two groups of in total 755 older volunteers for 24 months who received welfare rights advice in their own home.

Half of the volunteers were given an appointment with a welfare rights advisor, during which they received a full benefit assessment and help with claiming benefits and other entitlements. Advisors kept in touch with them until they no longer needed help.

The remaining older people received exactly the same help and advice 24 months later and usual care in the meantime.

Older people in both groups were interviewed at the outset and again after 24 months to find out whether the service had been beneficial or had other effects and whether it is acceptable. Both groups were free to seek advice independently or to leave the study at any time.

The study also assessed whether the service offered good value for money and was acceptable to professionals.

The study found that older people in poor health are more likely to need extra money, aids and adaptations to allow them to stay in their homes and remain in good health, yet many do not claim the benefits to which they are entitled.

Welfare rights advice service provided by social services departments in North East England for low income older people, increased the benefits they received.

Older people who receive welfare right advice report increased feelings of independence, self-esteem and confidence.

For more information, please contact:
Suzanne Moffatt, email: suzanne.moffatt@ncl.ac.uk

Last modified: Tue, 12 Mar 2019 15:51:25 GMT